Exclusive:
While Ryan Wellings was found not guilty of Kiena Dawes’ manslaughter, his prosecution could help set a precedent for more domestic abuse suspects being charged over victims’ deaths in cases of suicide, expert Dr Kirsty Welsh says
Kiena Dawes’ death has “paved the way” for more abusers to be held accountable over their victims’ deaths, a legal expert says.
The mum-of-one took her life after a two-year campaign of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of thug Ryan Wellings. Branded a “clear danger to women” by a prosecutor on Thursday, Welling was jailed for six years after being convicted of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.
He was the first person to be tried for manslaughter where a domestic abuse victim took their life, but 30-year-old Wellings was acquitted of causing Kiena’s death. The 23-year-old died by suicide at a railway line in 2022, leaving a note which blamed Wellings for her death.
One legal expert says Kiena’s legacy could pave the way for more families getting justice after losing loved ones to suicide following domestic abuse. Criminal law academic Dr Kirsty Welsh said it was “disappointing” not to see the first manslaughter conviction, but added that it was “encouraging” to see him prosecuted for the serious charge.
“It is to be welcomed that Ryan Wellings was charged with manslaughter,” said Dr Welsh, a senior lecturer at Nottingham Law School. “Whilst it is disappointing that the jury was not convinced that there was a causal link between his abuse of Kiena Dawes and her eventual suicide, is it very encouraging that the CPS chose to bring the case against him.
“The defence made much of Kiena’s previous suicide attempts and this might have been why the jury could not be sure that it was the abuse that had led her to take her own life. As people understand more about coercive control, juries in future cases will surely be more able to see how abusers like Wellings operate.
“Kiena herself said that Wellings had killed her. It is disappointing that the jury did not agree. But Kiena’s legacy is that her case will have paved the way for future abusers to be held liable when the women they have abused take their own lives.”
Kiena, a hairdresser from Fleetwood, Lancashire, was made to feel “worthless” and believe she was an “unfit mother”, the court heard. The vivacious and popular young woman had previously been diagnosed with an emotionally-unstable personality disorder, a condition allegedly exploited by the defendant.
Remorseless Wellings, a landscape gardener from nearby Bispham, was described as “a clear danger to any partner you have in the future” at Preston Crown Court on Thursday. Judge Altham sentenced him to four years for the coercive behaviour and two years for attacking Kiena. He was also given six months for assaulting a friend. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
In a harrowing statement in court, Kiena’s family described Wellings as a “monster” who had showed “absolutely no remorse for how he treated her”. Her mum, Angela Dawes, said her granddaughter had now been “robbed herself of a mum to go to”. Ms Dawes added: “Whenever Wellings is released from prison, I will be extremely concerned that he will do this again, he is a dangerous man. I am at a loss as to consider what impact him being released from prison will have on other women and children.”
Only one other person is known to have been convicted of causing someone’s death in similar circumstance – Nicholas Allen, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter of Justene Reece in 2017.
The Mirror has previously called for manslaughter charges in suicide cases where domestic abuse victims take their lives. Jessica Laverack, 34, took her life in February 2018 after suffering abuse from partner Patrick Walsh. A coroner later ruled concluded the “underlying cause of her illness [was] domestic abuse.”
Chloe Holland, 23, died by suicide after suffering sustained abuse from ex Marc Masterton. Chloe’s mum, Sharon Holland, previously told The Mirror: “It’s very unfair, justice hasn’t been served. We need to prevent this from happening with higher sentences.” From 2020 to 2023, 723 domestic abuse-related deaths were identified by police in England and Wales, of which 216 were suspected victim suicides, a study found.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit** www.aafda.org.uk**.
